In a dramatic incident early Sunday, the Secret Service shot a 27-year-old man following an “armed confrontation” near the White House. According to a statement from the agency, the situation unfolded while President Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida, away from the White House premises.
On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C. shared crucial information with the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies about a man named Andrew Dawson. Reports indicated that Dawson, who was believed to be traveling from Indiana to Washington, expressed intentions to engage in “suicide by cop.” Authorities highlighted that he was armed with a BB gun, with his last known residence listed in North Manchester, Indiana.
The police bulletin included a photograph of Dawson’s vehicle, which became pivotal in the subsequent encounter. Around midnight, members of the Secret Service located the parked car near the intersection of 17th and F Streets, approximately one block from the White House.
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers observed a man outside who appeared to be armed. As the Secret Service agents moved closer, an altercation ensued, during which the agency’s personnel discharged their weapons, striking the man. It remains uncertain whether Dawson was brandishing the BB gun at the time of the confrontation.
The injured man was promptly transported to a local hospital; however, his current condition has not been disclosed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the Secret Service personnel involved in the incident. The Metropolitan Police Department is now leading an investigation into the shooting, seeking to clarify the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.
This incident raises significant questions about security measures near the White House and the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals in crisis. As investigations continue, further updates will be provided regarding the situation and the health of the individual involved.
